Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CASA?

A CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocate is a community volunteer appointed by a judge to be an independent voice in court for an abused or neglected child. A CASA volunteer acts as a fact-finder for the judge, speaking on behalf of the child in court and representing the child’s best interest. A CASA volunteer is there for the “life of the case,” ensuring that the child’s needs are met and the case is resolved swiftly and appropriately.

Is there a typical CASA volunteer?

CASA volunteers come from all walks of life, representing a variety of cultural, educational, and socioeconomic and employment backgrounds. CASA volunteers range in age and experience. We have retirees as CASA volunteers and young professionals as volunteers as well as volunteers who are working full time or those that are stay-at-home parents. What CASA volunteers have in common is the belief that children deserve a safe and permanent home.

How does a CASA volunteer investigate a case?

Because CASA volunteers are appointed to their cases by a family court judge, they are allowed to talk with the child, the child’s parents, family members, case workers, school officials, health providers, therapists, and others who are knowledgeable about the child’s history. CASAs have access to and will review the child’s school records, medical records, caseworker reports, as well as other documents regarding the child during the year the child is in foster care.

CASA volunteers develop a relationship with each child, thoroughly exploring the history of their assigned case, submitting written reports to the judge before each scheduled hearing, attending the hearings and providing recommendations as to the best interest of each child. CASA volunteers also help to ensure court-ordered services are provided.

The information CASA volunteers provide is invaluable in helping family court judges make wise and informed decisions about the child's future. The consistency, structure, support and kindness provided by the CASA volunteer is invaluable to the child—helping him/her feel safe, heard and hopeful for their future.

What training would I receive as a CASA volunteer?

CASA volunteer applicants are required to participate in an introductory 30-hour course that provides an in-depth review of the courtroom process, the child welfare system, the case investigation process, report writing, detecting child abuse & neglect, and relating to the children and families involved in the case. An active CASA volunteer must also complete 12 hours of in-service training annually.

What support will I receive as an active CASA volunteer?

A CASA volunteer is assigned a volunteer supervisor, or as we call them, an Advocate Supervisor. Advocate Supervisors support CASA volunteers every step of the case. The Advocate Supervisor will help guide you in your development of an action plan; help you arrange the initial team meeting with the caseworker; visit the child and/or parents with you until you are comfortable doing it on your own; help you write your first report and review all of your future court reports; attend Family Team meetings with you and attend every court hearing with you.